I think all approaches serve well together. If science was the best way to the exclusion of all others then by now there should be several breweries using "scientifically proven" as their marketing scheme. I prefer a start with creativity, maybe a peek at what others have done, some application of tried and true technique, maybe some tweaking technique to fit my needs, thinking about what I want, thinking about what others might want, scientifically comparing and adjusting, but in the end if no one "likes" whats in the glass, who cares? If I didnt enjoy the process, whats the point?
I dont ask my friends to prove they like the beer I poured for them.
Some of us enjoy the entertainment / pass-time of the forum stuff. Some of us like to try things and see for ourselves. Some live to share what they have learned/experienced/discovered. Some like to refute all of that.
Some people, beleive it or not, dont even know we exist...